21 Charged In $800K Cocaine Bust

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Three Bahamians and 18 foreign nationals faced a magistrate in connection with the seizure of $800,000 worth of cocaine. 

Bimini residents Jonathan Gooding, Lawpapito Sands and Jason Rolle appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney along with 15 Ecuadorian and three Chinese nationals.

As a result of a joint operation with the DEA and DEU, authorities intercepted a 30-foot vessel off of Saunders Beach. Following a search, officers found 39 packages of cocaine with a total weight of 100 pounds.

Police arrested and charged all of the occupants of vessel with drug possession with intent to supply, conspiracy to export drugs and conspiracy to possess drugs with intent to supply.

They denied the allegations at their arraignment.

The Bahamians were each granted $50,000 bail on the condition that they wear an ankle monitor and report to a police station weekly.

On the other hand, the foreigners were remanded denied bail because they have no immigration status in the country.